Jessie Can Land The Spoils Ahead Of O’Brien

It was a mixed day at Leopardstown yesterday for champion trainer Aidan O’Brien and despite the fact that he has won 18 renewals of the Moyglare and National Stakes, it could be worth taking on O’Brien today.

Alpha and Beckford May Jump To Prominence
The two juvenile Group 1s at HQ are fascinating races and there’s no doubt that Aidan O’Brien is throwing his lot at the Moyglare, just like he did at the Matron Stakes yesterday.

While it would be no surprise to see O’Brien dominate, a chance is taken on Alpha Centauri to land the spoils for Jessica Harrington.

This filly is some sight for a two-year-old. Her size and scope made her stand out prior to her debut at Naas and her ability on the track was obvious that day too. She followed up at the same venue to make it two from two before going to Royal Ascot where she was narrowly touched off.

Royal Ascot was watered good to firm so the ease at the Curragh will be much more to her liking and…

the step up to seven-furlongs should suit her ideally.

Clemmie, Magical, Happily and September are all talented types but hopefully Alpha Centauri will be able to get the better of them on this occasion.

In the National Stakes the Gordon Elliott-trained Beckford is the pick. His run behind Sioux Nation last time has to give him a massive chance.

Beckford probably was a shade unlucky that the winner got first run on him and there’s no doubt that he looks likely to be better over a furlong further which he will get here and at 7/2 he is the one we’ll side with.

From First To Last
Ger Lyons and Colin Keane combined to win the first race of this year’s Irish Champions Weekend and with course and distance winner Mawaany that duo can take the last race of the weekend too.

Mawaany ran a blinder to finish second to Whiskey Sour at the Galway Festival and in a race that has plenty of exposed types in it, this four-year-old could still be capable of winning off his current mark and the ground shouldn’t be an issue.

Since winning on his first start for Lyons off a mark of 77 Mawaany has found himself raised to 92 – getting 6lbs for his last effort at Galway – but he can defy that hike to win the Northfields Handicap and give Keane another vital winner in his quest to be champion jockey.

Recommended Bets:
Alpha Centauri (7/2) – 3.40 Curragh
Beckford (7/2) – 4.15 Curragh
Mawaany (9/2) – 5.55 Curragh

*Prices correct at time of publication.